In the spring of 1996, the Wheaton College Vernal Pool Research Team began a long term study monitoring the Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) population breeding in Wheaton's certified vernal pool. Between March 16 and May 2, the Research Team caught, documented, and released 41 individual salamanders using a drift fence and pitfall trap system. Data were collected on the length, weight, genital pore width, and sex of each individual salamander. "Catalogues" composed of photographs and drawings of each salamander's unique spot pattern were compiled, which allow for later identification of previously captured salamanders. Additionally, a record was kept of the rates at which salamanders were captured and recaptured. The Research Team continued monitoring efforts the following spring using refined methods. Between March 27 and May 16, 1997, 46 salamanders were captured for the first time and 7 slamanders were recaptured. In the two years, the Research Team has begun to build a foundation of data with which to do multiple-year studies of population dynamics within Wheaton's vernal pool salamander population. Population estimation and weight comparison studies using the data have already provided initial results with which to shape future studies of A. maculatum.